A five-assist game on Sunday night against the New York Islanders helped Penguins captain Sidney Crosby earn the NHL’s ‘Second Star’ award for the week ending March 10.
Crosby’s five assists against the Islanders marked the second time in his career that he’s had five helpers in a game, and the first time he’s done so since Dec. 13, 2006 against Philadelphia. It was also the fifth time in his career that Crosby has recorded five or more points in a game.

Crosby led all players last week in both points (11) and assists (9) in four games played. In fact, Crosby’s nine assists were equal to the point totals of the second-highest scorers – linemate Chris Kunitz and Anaheim’s Ryan Getzlaf.

The NHL’s leading scorer with 45 points (12G-33A), Crosby began the week with a goal and an assist against Tampa Bay on March 4. He followed that up with three helpers in the Penguins’ dramatic 6-5 comeback win at Philadelphia on March 6. Crosby scored once in Pittsburgh’s 5-4 shootout victory at Toronto on March 9.

On Tuesday night, Crosby will be looking to build up his season-long eight-game point streak when the Penguins host the Boston Bruins at 7:30 p.m. at CONSOL Energy Center. During his run, Crosby has amassed five goals, 15 assists and 20 points for a 2.5 point-per-game average.

The Bruins are an interesting team when it comes to special teams. They have the NHL’s No. 1-ranked penalty kill that's allowed just seven power-play goals against on 91 chances for an obscene 92.3 percent success rate, with Chara and defense partner Dennis Seidenberg anchoring their top unit. However, their power play has been an anomaly this season, as it’s one of the NHL’s least successful. But it says a lot about their team that they’re winning games despite their struggles there.

The Bruins are an interesting team when it comes to special teams. They have the NHL’s No. 1-ranked penalty kill that's allowed just seven power-play goals against on 91 chances for an obscene 92.3 percent success rate, with Chara and defense partner Dennis Seidenberg anchoring their top unit. However, their power play has been an anomaly this season, as it’s one of the NHL’s least successful. But it says a lot about their team that they’re winning games despite their struggles there.

Interesting stats there. IMO concerning Boston's lackluster PP, it depends on how many penalties they are drawing. If they are drawing penalties and not scoring, then they are not a very opportunistic hockey team. If it's the opposite, then it may reflect their rugged style of play. Based on this, the Pens will need to make due if they receive any PP opportunities. Not having Malkin does not help. Hope Kunitz can keep it going in his absence!